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Oma's Raisin Squares (Rosinenschnitten)

With its spicy aroma, these Rosinenschnitten great at Christmas as well. Covered with a lemon butter icing, I alter it using almond flavoring instead - a mock marzipan flavor - hence, a German twist

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raisins
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup water
• ¼ cup butter
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon allspice
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons water
• 1 cup flour, all purpose
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1½ tablespoons lemon juice or 1 teaspoon almond extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease 8x8-inch pan.
2. Put raisins, brown sugar, water, butter, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and salt into a large pot. Bring to boil, lower heat, and simmer gently for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
3. Mix baking soda and 2 teaspoons of water in a small bowl. Stir into raisin mixture.
4. Let raisin mixture cool until just warm to the touch before stirring in the flour mixture. This is important. I've placed the pot into cold water to speed this up.
5. Mix together flour and baking powder. Stir into raisin mixture. Mix well.
6. Spread batter in prepared pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let cool in pan on wire rack.
8. In mixing bowl, beat powdered sugar, butter, and 1½ tablespoons lemon juice, or 1 teaspoon almond extract plus enough water or milk to make spreading consistency.
9. Spread over cooled raisin squares.

Notes/Hints:

• If you want thinner and more squares (as shown in the picture), then use a 9x9-inch pan. This only takes about 15 to 20 minutes to bake. Cuts into 25 squares.

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Updated June 14, 2026